Special Education Law
Seventh Edition
- Laura Rothstein - University of Louisville, USA, Louis D. Brandeis School of Law
- Scott F. Johnson - Concord Law School at Purdue University Global
Other Titles in:
Legal Requirements
Legal Requirements
October 2025 | 432 pages | SAGE Publications, Inc
The 7th Edition of Special Education Law, written by Laura Rothstein and Scott F. Johnson, provides a comprehensive and current overview of the major federal law, and judicial interpretations of those laws, that apply to special education students. School administrators and attorneys attend to special education issues on a regular basis, and local superintendents, principals, special education professionals, psychologists, and regional and state administrators must also be familiar with the legal requirements of educating students with disabilities. Classroom teachers of all types need to be aware of the laws that affect them and their students. Special Education Law 7e is intended for students in education and educational administration, both graduate and undergraduate, as well as law students in courses on special education law, school law, and special education.
The framework of this book begins with five introductory chapters on the major issues that are addressed in special education
law. These topics include an overview the legal system, the history of special education, major statutes in special education law, stakeholders such as students, families, educators, and advocates, and finally, requirements for protection under various special education laws. The remainder of the text presents and analyzes special education case law within specific contexts. The text helps educators understand what the law requires so that they can make decisions that comply with these laws.
The 7th edition reflects major changes in judicial interpretation and education policy developments at the federal level since 2021, including the dramatic impact of the COVID pandemic on education generally and special education specifically, a new Supreme Court decision, and new references and examples throughout.
The framework of this book begins with five introductory chapters on the major issues that are addressed in special education
law. These topics include an overview the legal system, the history of special education, major statutes in special education law, stakeholders such as students, families, educators, and advocates, and finally, requirements for protection under various special education laws. The remainder of the text presents and analyzes special education case law within specific contexts. The text helps educators understand what the law requires so that they can make decisions that comply with these laws.
The 7th edition reflects major changes in judicial interpretation and education policy developments at the federal level since 2021, including the dramatic impact of the COVID pandemic on education generally and special education specifically, a new Supreme Court decision, and new references and examples throughout.
Preface
Acknowledgments
About the Authors
Cases in Order of Appearance
Cases Alphabetized
Chapter 1: The Legal System and How It Works
Chapter 2: Students with Disabilities: History of the Law
Chapter 3: Statutory Provisions
Chapter 4: The People
Chapter 5: Who Is Protected
Chapter 6: Identification, Evaluation, and Eligibility
Chapter 7: Free Appropriate Public Education
Chapter 8: Individualized Education Program
Chapter 9: Placement and Least Restrictive Environment
Chapter 10: Private School Placements, Residential Place-ments, and Public School Choice Programs
Chapter 11: Special Issues with Secondary Students
Chapter 12: Procedural Safeguards
Chapter 13: Discipline
Chapter 14: Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
Chapter 15: Remedies
Chapter 16: Special Education Misconduct
Chapter 17: The Status and Future of Special Education Law
Glossary
Appendix A: Education and the American Legal System
Appendix B: Sequential Listing of Major Legal Developments for Students with Disabilities
Appendix C: Part B Individualized Education Program
I truly appreciated the organization and readability of this Rothstein text. It uses a clear student-friendly manner to deliver information.
Franklin Pierce University
This textbook offers the latest developments in special education law and policy for teachers entering the profession. Of course, veteran teachers and special education administrators will learn new concepts of how to support students with disabilities as well. This textbook is very thorough and does not require a background in special education law as it does an excellent job in breaking down case law related to special education supports and services. This will be a book you will want to keep in your professional library and revisit frequently when issues arise.
Minot State University